Mastering the Psychedelic Pop Groove
"Electric Feel" is a standout track from MGMT's 2007 debut Oracular Spectacular. It is deceptively tricky. While the melody feels effortless, the song relies on a specific groove created by its 6/4 time signature and Andrew VanWyngarden's distinct use of falsetto.
To sing this well, you need to be comfortable switching gears. You will be moving from a relaxed, almost spoken chest voice in the verses to a high, airy head voice in the choruses and intro. Let's break down the technique.
AI Coach Tip: Watch the Rhythm
This song is in 6/4 time. Many singers try to force it into a standard 4/4 count and rush the phrases. Listen to the snare drum—it lands on beat 4, not 3. Count 1-2-3-4-5-6 to stay in the pocket.
Phase 1: The Intro & Hooks (Falsetto)
The song opens with the iconic "Ooh girl" hook. This sits high in the range (around G#4 to G#5). You should not try to belt this.
The Technique: Use a light head voice or falsetto. Keep your jaw loose and direct the sound toward the "mask" of your face (around the nose and eyes) to get that bright, synth-pop resonance without straining your throat.
Phase 2: The Verses (Chest Voice)
The verses ("All along the western front...") drop down into a comfortable mid-range chest voice. The delivery here should be deadpan and cool.
- Articulation: Don't over-enunciate. The style is laid back.
- Breath Control: The phrases are relatively short, but the 6/4 rhythm means there is a longer gap between lines. Don't come in too early!
Phase 3: The Chorus
The chorus ("Shock me like an electric eel") blends the two styles. It requires a mixed voice that leans towards head resonance.
The melody jumps around the G# Minor pentatonic scale. The challenge is keeping the pitch accurate while maintaining the groovy, staccato feel of the lyrics. Avoid sliding (glissando) between notes; aim for clean, distinct steps to match the synthesizer accompaniment.
Frequently Asked Questions
The lead vocal hits a G#5 in falsetto during the ad-libs and harmonies. The core melody sits comfortably below that, topping out around E5.
The song is in 6/4 time (six quarter notes per bar). This gives it a "looping" feel that is longer than the standard 4-beat pop measure. Our app visualizes this beat to help you stay on time.
Warm up your head voice specifically with sirens and lip trills. Ensure you aren't carrying too much "weight" (chest voice volume) up to the high notes. Keep it light and airy.
